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Public Forum on Pennsylvania's UEB Implementation for Math and Technical Content

This recorded presentation provides a brief historical overview of the factors that led to the adoption of UEB and contrasts key features of the braille codes currently used for math and technical content in the United States.

PEAL Center Project MAX

The testimonials in this video are from family network members who want to build awareness and empower other families to lead change in Pennsylvania for students who receive special education services. Hear firsthand how the principles of presuming competence, fostering high expectations, and collaborating on school teams has made an impact for families and professionals.

The purpose of this training is to look closely at the key features of ASD and deaf-blindness and consider why children who are deaf-blind might, in some cases, share many of the same features associated with ASD and how vision and hearing loss and other sensory impairments can explain these “autistic-like” features.

Mac and iOS Accessibility for Students with High-Incidence Disabilities

This training will provide an overview of built-in accessibility tools, Mac operating system X features, and common productivity tools that can be useful to students with high-incidence disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, learning disabilities). The program will also include discussion and demonstration of third-party tools that are available at low or no-cost to serve the same purposes. Participants will also find the information useful for incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approaches to their instruction and supports.

Update on the Dyslexia Pilot Project

Act 69 of 2014, the Dyslexia Screening and Early Literacy Intervention Pilot Program became effective on June 26, 2014 (24 P.S. Article XVII-C). This Act requires the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to establish an early literacy intervention and dyslexia pilot program to provide evidence-based early screening using evidence- based services for students with potential risk factors for early reading deficiencies and dyslexia, such as low phonemic awareness, low letter and symbol naming and inability to remember sequences. This session will provide an update on the pilot program, which will operate for three full years beginning with the 2015-16 school year.

The Mindset Challenge: Preparing Educators for Meaningful Family Engagement Practices

This professional learning opportunity focuses on developing capacity for effective home and school partnerships focused on student academic success. This presentation will help educators and families make a mindset transition from parent involvement to family engagement. Our PD offers an inclusive and dynamic learning space for educators to learn and discuss research and best practices, it also provides practical information, tools and strategies needed for application in the field. The aim of this day of learning is to support systems change and reorganization of school family engagement efforts to connect specific student learning goals with family supported learning.

Best Practices in Autism Treatment

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is acknowledged as a best practice approach to providing educational and clinical services to children with autism spectrum disorders; however, ABA consists of individually tailoring interventions to meet the educational and clinical goals of each child and diagnosis is not particularly pertinent. This address will discuss systematic evaluations of clinical and teaching procedures conducted with persons with autism for building independent living skills and treating problem behavior.

Partners in Secondary Transition: What Families Need to Know

Family member support is integral to a youth transitioning from high school to adult life. Matters such as customized employment, entitlement vs eligibility, and exploring the option of a two or four year college, are just a few of the topics that may be explored during the transition process. During this webinar, PaTTAN consultants will introduce available resources such as the Family 1-Pager Guides and Planning for the Future Checklist to LEAs and discuss strategies for sharing them with parents and family members in supporting youth in preparing for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.

Employment First Webinar - Overcoming the STIGMA of Living and Working with the Labels of Significant Mental Health Challenges

This webinar addresses the core principles and most effective means to overcome the stigma of mental illness as it relates to assisting those with a MH label to attain meaningful and satisfying employment.

What Families Need to Know to Support Check In Check Out At Home

Check In Check Out (CICO) is a highly effective research based strategy used to provide students with additional academic or behavioral feedback and reinforcement. The strategy, typically applied in the school setting, can be successfully implemented in the home environment to extend learning and consistency. During this webinar, PaTTAN consultants and participating LEA members discuss the components of the CICO strategy and explain how to support the use of this strategy at home.

Strengthening Partnerships Through Two-Way Communication

Effective two-way communication with families is essential for strong family-school partnerships. During this webinar, members of an LEA along with PaTTAN educational consultants will share practices and strategies they have found successful in sharing information, setting realistic goals for students, and ensuring families are well-informed, actively engaged partners in education.